The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the foundation for electrical safety in commercial and industrial buildings. Years can go by, and codes remain the same, but as the world evolves, these codes must evolve too.
In the 2017 NEC, a new article 210.71 titled “Meeting Rooms” was introduced. This article requires a minimum number of receptacles for meeting rooms less than 1,000-square-feet. The main reason this meeting rooms section was added to the NEC was to prevent potential tripping hazards created by cords and cables spread across floors in meeting rooms.
Recently, there were revisions to the code in the 2020 NEC. While many meeting rooms already have receptacles, the new code 2020 version of the NEC now requires the mandatory installation of receptacles in meeting rooms in commercial spaces. Power needs to be closer to the people and not strung along the walls and pathways. Based on a 12’ wide room there must be at least one floor-based power option brought into the space no less than 6’ from the wall. The larger the space the more power devices must be included. This newer requirement mirrors the demand for power where we sit.
In the 2020 NEC, the rules on receptacle placement in meeting rooms were revised and relocated from 210.71 to 210.65. Below is the 2020 Code Language:
210.65 Meeting Rooms
210.65(B) Receptacle Outlets Required. The total number of receptacle outlets, including floor outlets and receptacle outlets in fixed furniture, shall not be less than as determined in (1) and (2).
(1) Receptacle Outlets in Fixed Walls. The required number of receptacle outlets shall be determined in accordance with 210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4). These receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located as determined by the installer, designer, or building owner.
(2) Floor Outlets. A meeting room with any floor dimension that is 3.7 m (12 ft) or greater in any direction and that has a floor area of at least 20 m2 (215 ft2) shall have at least one floor receptacle outlet, or at least one floor outlet to serve receptacle(s), located at a distance not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) from any fixed wall for each 20 m2 (215 ft2) or major portion of floor space.
So, what’s the easiest way to comply? Especially if core drilling or trenching isn’t an option?
Connectrac Floor Mounted Receptacle Solutions
Connectrac® Express Kits and Connectrac Flex® are innovative raceways that seamlessly manage both power/data cables while meeting NEC requirements. These floor-based raceway systems conceal cables and provide the required power receptacles; all without having to core drill or trench.
Express Kits are single-box raceway kits that are ideal for applications requiring a stocked, grab-and-go power/data solution with a single circuit. Express Kits conceal cables and features a Receptacle Device that snaps into an Express Power Hub. This Hub is attached to a flexible steel conduit, pre-wired for a quick installation, and meets NEC requirements.
Connectrac Flex offers several power devices, including a Receptacle Device (quad device) available in various 4-circuit options. The Receptacle Devices are available in the following single- or split-circuit options: 1111, 2222, 3333, 4444, 1122, 1144, and 3344 (controlled receptacles available for split-circuit options). A 4-circuit Hardwire Device is also available to connect to most furniture base feeds or other similar applications. One of the greatest benefits of the Flex is that all of the power devices are interchangeable and can be hot-swapped when desired.
Connectrac is easy to install and provides flexibility and adaptability for commercial interiors. Learn more about our products here or contact us, we can help you find the best solution for your specific needs.